Pictured: Kate Jones

A Worcester employment lawyer has moved to settle fears amongst workers following a steady rise in the number of compromise agreements being imposed upon the county's employees.

Kate Jones, an employment specialist at Worcester law firm MFG Solicitors, has spoken out after witnessing a growing number of worried employees turning to her seeking advice after being handed redundancy notices or complex compromise agreements.

"It is entirely clear that Worcestershire is experiencing a recession-fuelled increase in the use of compromise agreements", said Ms Jones.

"With many of the county's firms responding to the uneasy economic climate by making redundancies, we are seeing an increasing number of queries from worried employees who have been offered complex compromise agreements from their employers as part of redundancy deals.

"Not only are employees feeling concerned they are about to sign a lengthy document which may deprive them of the best exit deal, but they're being told to seek independent legal advice which leaves them feeling exposed.

"These agreements have become the document of choice for many employers who are cutting staff through either redundancy or dismissal. For some, the document will be straightforward but with pressures on household incomes snowballing, it is imperative that when signing people fully understand the long term implications."

Ms Jones, a widely respected legal advisor on employee-related matters in Worcester, underlined the need for employees to take the correct advice after dealing with a vastly increased number of cases across the city in the past six months.

She added: "I want employees faced with intricate compromise agreements to understand they don't have to wade through these documents alone. Seeking legal advice, for which any fees are normally met by the employer, is a must. 

This will help get the best financial settlement and vitally, agree unconsidered issues such as favourable references for future employers.

"If people take correct advice, then they will see that a stressful situation can be turned into a smooth and often enhanced settlement which is vital for their finances and future career prospects."

Ms Jones concluded: "There are many hidden employment issues here in Worcester and these are currently contributing to a stifled job market. If people who are faced with unemployment can leave their jobs with minimum fuss or a justified settlement, then I firmly believe that will contribute everyone's main goal - getting people back to work and regaining confidence."

For more information about MFG Solicitors, please visit their website here: www.mfgsolicitors.com